Wesley Sneijder Pay Crisis Opens Door for Manchester United Move

Dutch international Wesley Sneijder has many times been linked with a move to Manchester United, but decided to stay loyal to his club Galatasaray this summer despite confirming that he could have moved to Old Trafford.

“Louis is one of the most intelligent men in football – and I knew of Manchester United’s interest in the summer,” said Sneijder. “It was flattering – but I am very happy in Turkey – and it is very hard to leave Champions League football.”

Nevertheless, the speculation has proved fruitless, so the 30-year-old is still a part of Cesare Prandelli’s side. However, the player’s future remains uncertain after Galatasaray have failed to pay Sneijder’s wages for three months now – amounting to a total of around one million euros.

Speaking to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the creative midfielder said, “It’s true that I did not get the money, the club are working hard to sort their financial situation.”

This situation could see the midfielder apply for free agency although it is expected that the Turkish club will eventually sort everything out, as Sneijder is loved by the fans in addition to being the captain of the team, who are currently third in the Turkish top flight.

Nonetheless, Galatasaray will have to be aware of the fact that United could certainly use an additional body during the club’s current injury crisis. Ander Herrera recently added himself to a long list of sidelined players including Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini and Jonny Evans.

Manchester United will most likely follow up their summer transfer spending with further strengthening in the January window, as van Gaal should be keen on adding at least one defensive midfielder and a defender to his squad.

Without a doubt, Sneijder could have plugged the gap ahead of Daley Blind, offering the Red Devils an outlet to retain the ball. Meanwhile, Kevin Strootman has also been linked with a move to England as the AS Roma midfielder is currently recovering from a knee injury.

All in all, if Galatasaray’s financial troubles will continue to mount, then free agency would allow Sneijder to exit at any time. Should the option of grabbing him for a possible free arise, it’s likely van Gaal would find it impossible to turn his former ‘Oranje’ colleague down.